Mr. Contractor has been making steady progress on our construction. He has been moving dirt from areas that will someday contain a garage but will be parking and “toy” storage until that happens. For now, though, it’s our dirt source. (C) 2022, JJ ShaunOur dirt source. Peeking in the downstairs window opening, we could see … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 116
First Reader and I drove up to check the progress on the house yesterday. Our contractor buried the drainage on the north and east sides of the basement and was moving dirt when we arrived. (C) 2022, JJ ShaunMr. Contactor moving dirt. Two loads of squeegee were delivered Saturday morning, which was good, even though … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 115
The “squeegee” delivery turned into a bust on Thursday. The company I talked to could sell us the material but would not authorize their trucks to drive it up our mountain. Their excuse was that the road was not well maintained enough to put wear and tear on their equipment. I kept my comments to … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 114
Step by step, our new home is taking shape. Our contractor has added dirt to the base of the yet-to-be basement ahead of the slab pour. (C) 2022, JJ ShaunCleaning and leveling the base layer. But, before the foundation can be poured, drainage will need to be added around the outside of the newly cured … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 112
It has been 732 days (two years and two days) since we lost our home to wildfire. I had a vivid dream in the early morning of October 18, 2020. I dreamt I was walking through our house, and flames consumed everything. I felt no heat nor heard the roar of the flames, but I … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 111
Yesterday marked the second anniversary of the beginning of this journey. On October 18, 2020, First Reader and I were given two hours to pack what we could fit in four vehicles and get off the mountain. Family members drove up to help us pack and get all of our cars out of harm’s way. … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 110
Nothing is happening at the property as we wait for the concrete to cure. Some forms have been removed, and the walls look almost dry where they’re exposed. (C) 2022, JJ ShaunThe north end of the basement. (C) 2022, JJ ShaunThe south end of the basement. I didn’t have a measuring tape, but I estimate … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 109
Friday, our subcontractor poured the basement walls. The weather was not optimal, but they got the job done. I arrived just ahead of the boom used to direct the concrete stream into the forms. (C) 2022, JJ ShaunThe concrete boom setting into place. (C) 2022, JJ ShaunThe boom at work. The crew waited at least … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 108
The subcontractor has been working diligently to get the forms in place before they pour concrete tomorrow. (C) 2022, JJ ShaunThe forms for the basement. (C) 2022, JJ ShaunThe subcontractor and his crew working diligently. (C) 2022, JJ ShaunThe view from inside the walls, looking north. (C) 2022, JJ ShaunThe view from inside the walls, … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 107
A lot can happen in a few days. The first round of cement has been poured, and the frost wall is in. (C) 2022, JJ ShaunThe frost wall on Wednesday. The forms for the basement went up at the end of the week. They are ready for the next stage — pouring the cement. (C) … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 106
Tavern Tales
Poetry BLOG By Edge of Humanity Magazine
New Writing Engaging with the Sacred
50,000 Monkeys at 50,000 Typewriters Can't Be Wrong
J.J. Shaun 